: Time for prayers, questions, input from a priest and social time. There are two groups meeting simultaneously; under 18s and over 18s. Fridays 6.30pm-8.15pm: 19th September (Hinsley Hall), 17th October (Hinsley Hall), 14th November (Cathedral Hall), 19th December (Hinsley Hall). Under 18 participants must complete and return a permission form prior to attending. For permission forms and to notify of attendance (all participants) please contact Vocations Promoter, Fr Simon Lodge simon.lodge@dioceseofleeds.org.uk .

The story of the cleansing of the Temple is found in all four Gospels. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is upset with the deceitful practices of the vendors and expels them for that reason. But in John, Jesus' authority is contrasted with the authority of the Temple cult and is a criticism of the cult itself. The story is composed of two parts, Jesus' action in the Temple and Jesus' predictions about the Temple's destruction. If the many pilgrims to Jerusalem during Passover were to have animals for the sacrificial rituals of the feast, it was necessary to sell cattle in the Temple and to change the unclean Roman money. By denouncing this, Jesus is cutting to the core of the Temple cult. The story is really about Jesus' fate, revealing that Jesus, not the Temple, is the locus of God's presence on earth. As they often do in John, the Jews misunderstand Jesus' words. This gives John the chance to explicitly state his point. Although this is the beginning of his ministry, Jesus is already speaking of his coming death and Resurrection. The statement that concludes this passage uses the fact of the Resurrection to prove the point of Jesus' words. Believers need to remember the words and actions of Jesus and claim them as affirmations of the truths of their faith. Christians sometimes point to Jesus' anger in this passage as a way to point out Jesus' humanity. But this would miss the powerful point of the entire Gospel, that the Word became flesh. The point is not that Jesus' anger proves he is human. It is that a human being, in his words and actions, can claim the authority of God.

This one-day retreat will be held on Saturday 15th November at Leeds Trinity University and led by the New Eve Foundation with the Diocesan Faith Formation Team. Aimed at unmarried women ages 18-35, cost £25. Please email formation@dioceseofleeds.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: Saturday 6th December 10am – 2pm. We are now collecting donations of bottles, gifts, toys, books, and chocolates. Thank you for all your support in the continued success of our annual event. NO CDs or Electrical Items please as we can't sell them. CHRISTIMAS FAIR STALL HOLDERS Monday 1 st December in the Upper Room

Sunday 9th November, 3pm. Leeds Cathedral Choir, with members of The Sixteen and Genesis Sixteen, directed by Harry Christophers, will be singing Fauré's Requiem, and music by Bach, Byrd, Parry and Sheppard. Admission is free with suggested donation of £10.

We would like to welcome Andrea Nicholls and Bismark Adomako who are now confirmed as our Parish safeguarding representatives. Safeguarding representatives have a special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk. Please see our safeguarding notice board in the Narthex.

Kickstart your spiritual journey with the 33-day Consecration to Jesus through Mary starting on 5th November. This transformative devotion enriches your faith and fosters a profound connection with both Jesus and Mary. Ready to dive in and begin this meaningful journey and deepen your spiritual life? There are two options available in the Narthex, copies of a traditional version and some copies of 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr Michael Gaitley. The next start date is 5th November.

Every year the Church recalls the example, witness, and prayer of the holy women and men who have been identified by the Church as Saints. These saints are more than just role models; they are family members with whom we continue to share relation, in a bond of prayer, called the Communion of Saints. Every year when we celebrate this day, the Gospel we proclaim recalls for us Jesus' teaching about happiness, the Beatitudes. We quickly note in this reading that none of those Jesus names as “blessed” or “happy” are expected . . . the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted. Jesus' blueprint for happiness reflects little of what the world might call happiness. What does Jesus mean when he uses the word “blessed?” This word is sometimes translated as “happy” or “fortunate” or “favoured.” In other words, Jesus is saying that divine favour is upon those who are poor, who mourn, who are persecuted. This might have been welcome and surprising news to the crowds who heard Jesus that day. The Beatitudes can be understood as a framework for Christian living. Because of this, it is natural that we proclaim this Gospel on the Feast of All Saints. Saints are people who lived the spirit of the Beatitudes as Jesus lived. On this day, we too are challenged to model our lives on the spirit and promises of the Beatitudes.

My plan is to visit family graves in our Parish on Sunday lunchtimes. Please leave a note at the Presbytery of names and cemetery details if you hope to be present the times and dates are as follows: 9th November, Sugar Lane West at 11.45am, 16th November, Sugar Lane East at 11.45am, 23rd November, Crigglestone at 11.45am and 30th November our Parish grounds at 11.45am followed by Horbury.  Gregory.